First-line treatment for Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease causes inflammation in parts of the digestive tract. A clinician asks about abdominal pain, diarrhoea, weight change, tiredness, blood in stool and symptoms outside the gut. Assessment may include an examination, blood tests, stool tests or specialist investigations. Treatment can include a short course of an anti-inflammatory medicine for a flare, followed by a longer-term medicine that helps prevent further inflammation. The choice changes when there is a narrowing, abscess, fistula, infection or poor nutrition.

Book a GP consultation or gastroenterology review for persistent diarrhoea, recurring pain or suspected Crohn's disease. Keep a record of stool changes, pain, temperature, food triggers and medicines. Take treatment as prescribed, avoid stopping steroids suddenly, and ask before taking anti-inflammatory painkillers because they may aggravate bowel symptoms. Drink enough to replace losses from diarrhoea unless a clinician has advised fluid restriction.

Seek urgent assessment for severe or worsening abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, inability to pass stool or gas, heavy rectal bleeding, faintness, fever with marked weakness or signs of dehydration such as very little urine. These features can occur with complications that need prompt treatment rather than a routine medicine adjustment.

Ask what tests are needed, whether this is an active flare, what treatment is intended for short-term control, how remission will be maintained, which medicines need monitoring, and who to contact if symptoms return.